Skip to Content

Where to Stay in Jamaica | Best All-Inclusive Jamaica Family Resorts

Where to Stay in Jamaica | Best All-Inclusive Jamaica Family Resorts

A Jamaican vacation is all that you envision in a Caribbean vacation — and so much more.  Ready to make the trip? Wondering where to stay in Jamaica? Be sure to check out these best all-inclusive Jamaica family resorts while searching for where to stay in Jamaica. 

There are many all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica for families to choose from on the island. Trekaroo writers have stayed at or toured the following resorts in the area around Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. We can recommend these all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica based on our own personal experience.

Check for hotel availability for your Jamaica vacation

Explore the top 10 things to do with your family in Jamaica

Where to Stay in Jamaica | Jamaica Family Resorts

Moon Palace Jamaica 

Jamaica's Moon Palace Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts for families

Jamaica’s Moon Palace Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts for families | Photo by Palace Resorts

Moon Palace Jamaica is centrally located in Ocho Rios within sight of where the cruise ship docks in the bay. Consequently, it is minutes from attractions like Dunn’s River Falls, Yaaman Adventure Park, Blue Hole, and Mystic Mountain, making it a fantastic location for all of the best Jamaican tours and adventures.

Why families will want to book here:

If you want the easiest access to Jamaica’s main attractions and excursions, then Moon Palace is the place to stay for families looking to explore the island.

This All-Inclusive includes: 

  • Restaurants & Drinks. In addition to the standard all-inclusive buffet fare offered at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Moon Palace Jamaica has three a la carte restaurants open for dinner. It also has three cafe areas where families can grab a treat or snack at almost any time of day. Snacks and quick bites are also available at outdoor poolside and beachside locations.
  • In-Room Amenities. Many of the resort’s 700 rooms have a small balcony overlooking the beach with amazing sunset views, a surprising feature on the north shore due to a unique land bend. Moon Palace Jamaica guests also enjoy well-stocked mini bars and domestic beer and 24-hour room service.
  • On-Property Amenities. Go surfing or boogie-boarding on the FlowRider, free to resort guests. Use of windsurfing, kayak, and snorkeling equipment is included.
  • Entertainment & Activities. Families can enjoy daily programming including activities, crafts, games, classes, and nightly entertainment.
  • Pools. A large network of six pools, many of them connected, give families even more opportunity to find their sweet spot.
beaches at Moon Palace in Jamaica

Hit the beach at Moon Palace Jamaica where gentle waves are perfect for young kids | Photo by Palace Resorts

  • Beaches. Moon Palace has both a protected coastline and open sea access. The private beach is in a man-made bay with gentle waves and easy access to the shore. The open sea beach is perfect for snorkeling, windsurfing, or sea kayaking. 
  • Kids Club. Children ages 4-12 will love The Playroom which features a splash pad, sandbox, climbing structure, toddler-sized bikes, LEGO wall, jungle gym, and mini carousel. The adjacent Wired Teens Lounge is open daily for teens ages 12-17. All the games are free of charge. 
  • Tipping & Gratuity. Tipping is included, but many guests tip throughout the resort for exceptional service.

Additional On-Site Offerings (fee based)

  • The onsite Dolphin Cove offers dolphin (and shark and stingray!) encounters for every age group, even babies in arms.
  • Adults can enjoy services at the 35,000 square foot AWE Spa, one of the largest in the Caribbean.
  • Deep sea fishing, snorkeling tours, glass bottom boat tours, catamaran tours, and water jet pack activities are offered onsite.
  • Most booking include airport transfers

Grand Palladium Jamaica

Grand Palladium Jamaica

The lobby at the Grand Palladium Jamaica features an impressive Colonial style | Photo by Palladium Resorts

Trekaroo families love the Palladium brand, notably known for family-friendly locations and amenities across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. Their Jamaica property, located on the northwest coast of Jamaica, 45-minutes from Montego Bay, offers stunning Caribbean access with 540 rooms and suites that meander throughout the beautiful grounds. 

Why families will want to book here:

Families with toddlers will want to book at Grand Palladium because it has one of the island’s youngest included kids’ clubs (hello, one-year-olds!). It’s also one of the highest rated all-inclusive hotels close to the seven-mile beach in beaches Negril.

This All-Inclusive includes: 

  • Restaurants & Drinks. Dine at any of the resort’s seven a-la-carte restaurants (Italian, Mexican, Asian, Indian, Grill, Barbeque, Creole-Jamaican) or three buffet restaurants. Snacks are available throughout the day at the Sports Bar. Adult and kid-friendly drinks served at 13 locations on property. Room service is  included as well.
  • In-room amenities. In the rooms families will find robes and slippers, sofa beds & coffee makers as well as standard balconies, stocked mini-fridges, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs with plenty of international programming. 
  • On-property amenities. Watersports (windsurfing, kayak, snorkeling) and a variety of land-based sports offered at the Sports Centre and beach.
  • Entertainment & Activities. Boogie Woogie Night Club, shows & live music
  • Pools. With a massive central infinity swimming pool and on-property mini waterpark, the five pools on property have something for every pool fan- including a swim up bar.
Grand Palladium Resorts Jamaica Balcony Room

Balconies at the Grand Palladium offer fantastic ocean views | Photo by Palladium Resorts

  • Beaches. The beach resort has access to four separate man-made beaches, including one that is adults-only. Seagrass and clear water make for great snorkeling. The “kids beach” boasts a protective barrier that is perfect for the littles. 
  • Kids Club. The included kids club is open daily and includes kids entertainment and activities, even a mini disco. The Baby Club is for 1-3 years; Mini Club is for kids 4-12; and Black & White Teen Club is for teens 13-18.
  • Tipping & Gratuity. Tipping is included, but many guests tip throughout the resort for exceptional service.

Additional On-Site Offerings (fee based)

  • Zentropia Spa & Wellness Center
  • Catamaran & Deep Sea Fishing tours
  • Golf at adjacent Tryall Golf Course
  • Most booking include airport transfers

Interested in exploring another island in the area? Check out our guide to visiting Bermuda!

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort

Jewel Runaway Bay Resort boasts a beautiful coastline | Photo by Jewel Runaway Bay

Jewel Runaway Bay Resort boasts a beautiful coastline | Photo by Playa Resorts

The Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort is located near the city of Ocho Rios. It features lovely rooms, friendly staff, beautiful pools, kids’ clubs, and a brand new water park families absolutely adore.

Why families will want to book here:

The included water park and golf course (free green fees & lessons!) make this a must-stay location for active families. The included kids club is one of the best in the industry.

This All-Inclusive includes: 

  • Restaurants & Drinks. All-inclusive dining options are available at 4 quick service restaurants, four fine dining restaurants (Italian, Seafood, Sushi, and Teppan) and a full-service buffet. Enjoy drinks at the resort’s four standalone bars.  24-hour room service is also available.
  • In-Room Amenities. The resort’s comfortably sized rooms include WiFi, flat screen TVs, and private balconies. Rooms are available with access to private mini-pools as well.
The waterpark at Jewel Runaway Bay is a fabulous perk for families | Photo by Playa Resorts

The waterpark at Jewel Runaway Bay is a fabulous perk for families | Photo by Playa Resorts

  • On-Property Amenities. In addition to non-motorized water sports and standard land sports, green fees are included at the onsite par 72, 18-hole championship golf course!
  • Entertainment & Activities. Nightlife (including music, disco, and dive-in movies) is always included.
  • Pools. Three family-friendly pools provide plenty of swimming opportunities for families. The onsite Lagoon Water Park features a zero-entry pool, family rafting slide, speed slide, lazy river, and live entertainment. 
  • Beaches. The stunning turquoise waters are easily accessed from the long stretch of beach that lines the resort.
  • Tipping & Gratuity. Tipping is included, but many guests still tip throughout the resort for exceptional service   

Kids Club

The kids and teens camps offered at Jewel Runaway Bay will have your kids begging to stay.

  • Kids ages 3-5 can enjoy pirate and princess makeovers, treasure hunts, water games, horse rides, magic shows, and crafts.
  • Kids ages 6-9 can take golf lessons, learn to dance to reggae, take cooking lessons, and try their skills on an obstacle course. 
  • The 10-12-year-old set can enjoy snorkeling, glass bottom boat trips, golf lessons, board and video games, a disco, talent shows, horse grooming, photography classes, archery, laser tag, and cooking lessons.
  • Are teens traveling with you? They can take part in group activities like
    snorkeling, photography, the obstacle course, the teen lounge, horse grooming, cooking classes (including sushi), laser tag, group movies, and a disco.

Additional On-Site Offerings (fee based)

  • Nanny services can be added to your stay giving you even more opportunities to get some R&R.
  • Scuba diving lessons (and excursions) offered onsite.
  • Laser tag is an additional fee.
  • Most booking include airport transfers.

Royalton White Sands

The Royalton White Sands features a beautiful Caribbean view | Photo by Royalton Resorts

The Royalton White Sands features a beautiful Caribbean view | Photo by Royalton Resorts

The Royalton White Sands is a short drive from the airport in Montego Bay. Recently renovated, it is a gorgeous luxury resort with upscale rooms and amenities. It also features a water park, kids’ club, and plenty of beach and pool fun for everyone in the family.

Why families will want to book here:

As one of the closest properties to the Montego Bay airport, this location will get your family enjoying your getaway in no time.

This All-Inclusive includes: 

  • Restaurants & Drinks. A variety of onsite restaurants will keep your family freely eating while staying on property. Options include TexMex, Teppan, Indian, Italian, and Asian cuisines, as well as a sports bar quick service option and full-service international buffet. Coffee and pastries are available at the 24-hour Patissiere. Drinks are served at five unique bar locations.
  • On-Property Amenities. Kayaking and wind-surfing are included. The included Royalton Fit health club features free weights, machines, and classes.
  • Entertainment & Activities. Live entertainment as well as family events and activities are included daily. Don’t miss the “All-In White Party,” where you’ll enjoy live music, dancing, and entertainment at a high-energy party where everyone dresses in their whitest whites.
Families will love the mini-waterpark at the Royalton White Sands Resort | Photo by Royalton Resorts

Families will love the mini-waterpark at the Royalton White Sands Resort | Photo by Royalton Resorts

  • Pools. The pirate-themed Splash Park includes slides for the big kids (over four feet) as well as a splash pad for the littles. A Lazy River is available for use at the adjacent property, Royalton Blue Waters. A total of three family-friendly pools are offered on property.
  • Beaches. The resort boasts a pristine beach with easy walking access from all rooms.
  • Kids Club. The Clubhouse Kids Club is offered for children ages 4-12 with a variety of fun offerings. Max and Ruby, from the Nickelodeon cartoon, stop in to the club and pop up around the property. The Hangout Teens Club is a safe place for teens to spend some quality time while playing video games, watching movies, and enjoying free WiFi.
  • Tipping & Gratuity. Tipping is included, but many guests still tip throughout the resort for exceptional service.

Additional On-Site Offerings (fee based)

  • Deep sea diving and glass-bottom boat tours are available onsite.
  • The Royal Spa features a wide array of treatments and experiences.
  • Most booking include airport transfers.

Frankyln D. Resort (FDR) 

The Franklyn D. Resort is a family-friendly must in Jamaica | Photo by Franklin D. Resort

The Franklyn D. Resort is a family-friendly must in Jamaica | Photo by Franklin D. Resort

Upon check-in at Franklyn D. Resort, it is immediately clear that it’s unlike any other resort on the island. This boutique beachfront resort is Jamaican through and through. It is certainly one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica for families.

Why families will want to book here:

Marketed exclusively as a family-friendly property, parents relax and rest easy knowing their kids can safely meander the resort with parents or grandparents. Guests are even an assigned vacation nanny who will provide licensed childcare for infants!

This All-Inclusive includes: 

  • Restaurants & Drinks. The onsite Jamaican buffet is authentic and amazing. A Kidz Buffet pampers your little ones with their favorite dishes, served at their height. Adults-only dinner dining allows parents a kid-free night.
  • In-Room Amenities. With 78 suites, the FDR can suit every family, including multi-generational ones. The smallest suite is one bedroom with a king bed in one room and two twins in a separate living area. 
  • On-Property Amenities.
    • Every family receives a Vacation Nanny who is available to them from 9AM-4:40PM daily. The nanny provides childcare as needed, cleans the suite, and ensures all necessary arrangements are made for excursions.
    • From miniature golf to toddler climbing structures, play areas abound throughout the resort so there’s no shortage of places to play.
  • Entertainment & Activities. The resort offers a full schedule of activities from crafts to yoga to snorkeling. The glass bottom boat is also included in your stay. Authentic Jamaican excursions take guests on complimentary shopping trips, market visits, fishing villages, and school visits.
  • Pools. FDR has a pool with a tot-sized water slide and a separate pool with a larger water slide for older children. A total of four pools are on-site.
  • Beaches. Two separate beaches are onsite – one with calm water and plastic toys for preschoolers and another with white sand and open water for swimming.
  • Kids Club. The Yellow Bird Kids Club is open from 7:30 am – 10 pm daily. It features games, contests, excursions, arts and crafts. A Teens’ Games Room offers older kids access to pool tables, ping pong, Foosball, Xbox 360 and Nintendo WII.
  • Airport Transfers. Included in all bookings.
  • Tipping & Gratuity. Due to the small nature of this location, tipping is recommended but should not be advertised. 

Additional On-Site Offerings (fee based)

  • Nannies can stay past 4:40 pm for an additional hourly fee (although the kids club is included until 10 pm nightly as well). 
  • Additional excursions are available as part of the kids club, teens club, and for families.

Disclosure: Carrie Yu stayed at Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort and Royalton White Sands Resort as a guest of the hotels. Melissa Moore stayed at FDR Resort. Katie Bodell and Melissa Moore stayed at Moon Palace Resort.

These writers were not required to state any particular view. All opinions remain their own.